200 Section - The Role of Visual Art in Multiple Sclerosis Neurorehabilitation

Case Diagnosis: Many Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients face numerous challenges, both cognitive and physical, generally reducing quality of life (QOL). Traditional MS therapy is often specialized, costly, and resource-intensive. Visual art, defined as the creation or engagement with artistic mediums such as painting, drawing, or sculpture, represents a low-barrier intervention that can be integrated into clinical practice. Art therapy is emerging as a complementary tool in neurological rehabilitation, including stroke therapy, being a valuable tool where most treatment options are resource-intensive.

Case Description: This case describes a 75-year-old female with secondary progressive MS presenting with lower limb spasticity, graded as Modified Ashworth Scale 3 in the hip adductors, hip flexors, and hamstrings, and power of 2/5 in the lower limbs. A baclofen pump was inserted 8 years ago to improve spasticity and pain. The integration of art into rehabilitation allowed her to convey improvements of spasticity. This case highlights the diversity of visual art in patient care across communication, therapy, and neuroplasticity. Visual art provided an alternative pathway for expression and communication. Therapeutically, painting improved QOL and psychosocial well-being, supporting self-efficacy, confidence, and social connectedness. The Visual Art-based Intervention (VAbI) also reflected improvements in spasticity.

Discussions: VAbIs function as an adjunct to conventional therapy, offering psychological and functional benefits through an inexpensive and versatile approach. Unlike specialized equipment, VAbIs integrate easily into clinical and home environments. They support holistic recovery by addressing psychosocial gaps, including identity restoration and self-expression. However, evidence directly linking visual art to measurable neuroplasticity remains largely case-based. More rigorous, standardized research, including randomized controlled trials, is required.

Conclusions: Visual art demonstrates a valuable role in MS neurorehabilitation, improving communication and psychological well-being. Its low-cost, accessible nature makes it a practical, patient-oriented intervention. Future studies should refine terminology, strengthen research design, and explore direct links between visual art and neuroplasticity.